Friction Characteristics of Impregnated and Non-Impregnated Graphite against Cemented Carbide under Water Lubrication

The friction behavior of resin-impregnated and non-impregnated graphite sliding against a cemented carbide in dry, oil, and water environments using a ring–ring configuration was investigated. Friction coefficients were recorded at various speeds. The results showed that the impregnated graphite exhibited much better friction properties under water or oil lubrication than non-impregnated graphite, and the impregnated graphite could remain in the stable friction regime under high pressure × velocity ( pv ). Based on scanning electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy analyses, the different characteristics between impregnated and non-impregnated graphite were able to be attributed to the structure of the graphite and wettability of the lubricants.